Farmer’s Lament

September 11, 2011 at 8:05 pm · Filed under Dark Side, Poems ·Tagged author, Charles L. Mashburn, crops failed, drought, http://gooseberrygoespoetic.blogspot.com/, http://magicinthebackyard.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/free-write-friday-celebrating-autumn/, love, no rain, story, the storms of life, writer

It’s been a long, hot, brutal summer here in Texas, and as if that weren’t enough, wildfires are flaring up all over the state, fueled by the dry grass and parched trees. I wrote this poem many years ago—probably during another drought—but it sure fits this year. Most years, I’m sorry to see summer fade into fall, because I love to go play in the many lakes around the state. But this year, I’m ready for summer to be gone; I’ve had enough heat and fire, and Lord we need some rain.

Posting this on Kellie Elmore’s Magic in the Backyard blog for the Free Write Friday feature. Stop by and visit Kellie’s blog if you have time. She’s one fine poet! Also posting to Gooseberry Garden’s Poetry Picnic.

 

Farmer’s Lament

 

Sun hot on the back of my neck

Sweat dripping off my brow

I rock to the beat of the ol’ poppin’ Johnny

Got a thousand acres to plow

 

Dry stubble as far as I can see

Too dry, the corn couldn’t take it

Lost most of the cotton crop too

Don’t know how we’re gonna make it

 

The bank called again this mornin’

Their demands every week get stronger

Cows so thin you can see right through ‘em

And me…. I can’t take this much longer

 

The wife got a job last week

Part time at the grocery store

She’s a trooper, tryin’ to pitch in

Says, don’t worry, we been here before

 

I know it, but it don’t make it no better

Words don’t much ease the pain

‘cause I’m plowin’ this year’s crop under

Prayin’ next year we’ll get some rain

Copyright © 1998 C. Mashburn

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